# Revealing hidden biodiversity: Novel insights on reptile and amphibian distribution in western Ecuador

## TL;DR

This paper reports new distribution records for 14 reptile and amphibian species in western Ecuador, enhancing understanding of their biodiversity.

## Contribution

The study provides the northernmost and southernmost confirmed sightings for three species and new records for others in the region.

## Key findings

- The northernmost confirmed sighting of Pristimantis kuri was documented.
- The southernmost record for Imantodes inornatus and Lepidoblepharis buchwaldi was confirmed.
- New distribution data for 11 additional species were collected across five provinces in western Ecuador.

## Abstract

We present notable distributional updates for 14 species from western Ecuador (seven amphibians and seven reptiles). Our findings include the northernmost confirmed sighting of Pristimantis kuri and the southernmost documented record of Imantodes inornatus and Lepidoblepharis buchwaldi. Additionally, we document new records and notes on the distribution range of Agalychnis spurrelli, Hyloscirtus alytolylax, Engystomops montubio, Pristimantis muricatus, Pristimantis nyctophylax, Pristimantis walkeri, Chironius flavopictus, Chironius grandisquamis, Dendrophidion graciliverpa, Ninia schmidti, and Urotheca fulviceps. These observations significantly contribute to filling information gaps in our understanding of these species' distributions. The data, derived from samples collected across diverse forested areas in the western region of Ecuador (provinces of Bolívar, Cañar, Guayas, El Oro, and Los Ríos), provide valuable insights into the ecology and conservation of these species.

We present notable distributional updates for 14 species from western Ecuador (seven amphibians and seven reptiles).